St Mary’s Church of England Primary School in Melton Mowbray has been rated as a good school following its inspection in May 2019. The headteacher has fostered a culture of care, inclusivity, and respect throughout the school, which has contributed to improved outcomes for all pupils, particularly those in key stage two and vulnerable groups. The Diocese of Leicester Academies Trust provides effective support to school leaders, enhancing teaching quality through appropriate training. The governing body possesses a diverse range of skills and offers constructive challenges to school leaders, ensuring continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is also rated as good. Teachers provide age-appropriate learning opportunities, and there has been a notable improvement in pupils’ progress in reading, writing, and mathematics. The early years provision is strong, with children quickly adapting to classroom routines and receiving the foundational skills necessary for their future learning. Pupils exhibit good behavior throughout the school day, feeling safe, valued, and well cared for. They take pride in their school and demonstrate a keen interest in learning.
Despite these strengths, there are areas for improvement. Not all teachers consistently establish high expectations and habits that guide pupils in enhancing their learning. The school employs engaging themes and quality texts to stimulate learning across the curriculum, but the progression of knowledge and skills is not consistently mapped out in all subjects. Senior leaders need to improve the clarity of key information and ensure that roles and responsibilities are well-defined to enhance the school’s progress.
To further improve, the school must ensure that leaders summarize key information concisely and refine actions for sustained improvement. Clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of all leaders will help maintain momentum in moving the school forward. Additionally, teachers should consistently foster habits of self-checking and improvement among pupils to cultivate more confident learners. Completing the curriculum review will provide a framework that secures consistent cumulative progress in knowledge and skills across year groups and subjects.
The leadership and management of the school are effective, with a strong partnership between the headteacher and deputy headteacher focused on improving teaching and raising pupil outcomes. The local governing body has a clearer understanding of the school’s priorities and holds leaders accountable for raising standards. The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff receiving relevant training and understanding their responsibilities in reporting concerns.
Overall, St Mary’s Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective learning environment. The school has made significant strides since its previous inspection, and with continued focus on the identified areas for improvement, it is well-positioned to enhance its educational offerings further. The positive feedback from parents reflects the school’s dedication to ensuring that children are happy, safe, and making a strong start in their education.
